Why I Decided to Spend a High School Semester Abroad in Japan

Hi everyone! My name is Luna Sellan and I am a current CIEE Ambassador Abroad participating in CIEE’s High School Abroad Program in Japan.

I’ve heard a lot of reasons why my friends decided to study abroad. They wanted to learn a new language, they wanted to experience living in a different culture in another country, and they wanted to become more independent. All of these are great reasons. Completely valid. Very admirable. Compared to them, my reasons for wanting to study abroad were ridiculous, even to me, and I take myself very seriously.  

The Dream Of Studying Abroad

I decided to study abroad in Japan as a high school student because I wanted to buy ice cream at a convenience store wearing a school uniform – just like all the girls in those school life animes that I loved so much. I know. It's a pretty silly reason. So obviously, when I told my mother I wanted to study abroad and why, she thought I was joking. I was not. When she said no, I pouted. I didn’t talk to her for an entire week. Not my brightest moment, but I had my heart set on studying abroad in Japan. Eventually, my mom got sick of my behavior, and she agreed to at least look into the program and let me apply. To my surprise, I got in. My dream was now within reach.  

My mother then began to like the idea of me learning a new language, experiencing living in a different culture in another country, and becoming more independent. She ended up agreeing to let me study abroad and paid for the entire program so that there was no turning back. Though that's a shortened version of how I really came to study abroad, it's pretty accurate. A silly wish turned into a reality. But I can’t express just how happy I am with my choice. 

My Abroad Experience

I have been in Japan for almost three months now, and I can say with enough certainty that these have been the best three months of my life. Nothing can compare with the feeling of exploring another country, learning to be independent, and making so many new friends. Sure, I’ve had my ups and downs, but I wouldn’t trade this for the entire world.  

Your Unique Journey

What I want to say with this story is that there's no right or wrong reason for wanting to study abroad. You can have your own, unique reason. If you're even just remotely interested, there's no harm in applying. You never know where life is gonna take you, and I am very pleased with where it has taken me – seeing as I ended up in a Japanese convenience store, wearing a school uniform and eating ice cream. 

If you are interested in studying abroad during high school, you can apply here or you can schedule a call with an Enrollment Coordinator to start planning.    

CIEE’s High School Abroad Program in Japan

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